A teenager who made West Malling and Larkfield residents' lives a misery has been warned against continuing his behaviour by a borough council.

A statement released by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) says the 16-year-old, who can't be named for legal reasons was issued with a Community Protection Warning (CPW) after a protracted campaign of verbal abuse and riding a motorbike in an anti-social manner.

The warning, part of a package of new powers designed to tackle antisocial behaviour, means that the youth, from East Malling, must turn over a new leaf or else face a Community Protection Notice.

Breaching this is a criminal offence and could result in a maximum fine of £2,500.

The CPW was served following an investigation carried by TMBC, Kent Police and Circle Housing Russet.

The housing association has also issued the parents of the sixteen-year-old with a tenancy warning letter.

Cllr Brian Luker, TMBC's cabinet member for community safety, said: “Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in this borough.

"Nobody has the right to make other people’s lives a misery and I’m pleased that, by working closely with Kent Police and Circle Housing Russet, we have been able to issue this Warning, which I hope will put a stop to this individual’s anti-social behaviour immediately.”

Sergeant Ashley Boxall of the Tonbridge community safety unit said: "I am very pleased that the boy in this particular case has been issued with a community protection warning, and hope it acts as a wake-up call for him to change his ways and avoid falling foul of the law in the future.

"We are proud of our close working relationship with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and hope this sends a clear message to others who commit antisocial behaviour that their actions will not be tolerated."